In Our Footsteps, In His Footsteps

Sometimes it is hard to imagine that one day this little foot will step into their parent's shoes. As a parent it never ceases to amaze me, and in some ways, frighten me how quickly my children's feet are growing into my shoes. It amazes me because of the incredible spirit they have to conquer so much more than I had, and it also frightens me because I know that as one generation rises another fades. 

God's plan is an amazing plan as it introduces us to the pattern of His Fatherhood. We are his children and someday we will grow up to be like him, if we simply follow in his footsteps. "Come follow me, the Savior said, then let us in his footsteps tread. For thus alone, can we be one, with God's own loved begotten son..."

There Shall Be No Mistaking It

And so the Gospel rolls forth...
There is nothing that will bring this world more peace than knowing the gospel of Jesus Christ. Is it any wonder then that the Lord would call so many young people to spread that gospel? Not only young people, but more senior missionaries as well?

I have been pondering the reality that this world has become so torn apart and struggling for some semblance of order, that it is no longer safe to live here in mortality. More and more people are feeling out of control of their lives. More and more people are growing faithless, turning to governments to give them what they want rather than asking God for what they need. The more control they seek the more it looks like chaos. The more chaos the more they turn from God the less peace can be found. Controlled by guilt they refuse to accept responsibility for their own actions.

Thus the stage is set for the light of the gospel to go forth and penetrate the darkness. The contrast being necessary that there be no mistaking when the light of truth is present.

God is real. His power is real. He is the same today as he has always been. He loves his children and wants them to feel peace. His work and his glory will ever remain to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man. Press forward Saints with steadfast faith in Christ...

Tender Mercies In A Time Of Need

Sometimes it is not all about the picture. Sometimes it is the story behind the picture that makes the picture more clear.
Friday morning July 19, 2013 I got up a little extra early to go for a short hike to see the sunrise. I was feeling somewhat discouraged, but I had a seed of hope in my heart. As I approached the top of the hill I was enjoying the view that God had given me that morning when I let my mind wander to thinking about things I would love to take a picture of, when the thought came, "would it be to much to ask for a silhouette of a nice buck?" I thought, it might be, but I decided to ask anyways. And so I did. I looked toward the sunrise and I saw nothing. So, while I was walking and having my semi silent prayer, I hadn't moved 10-15 yrds when I looked up on the ridge just ahead of me. This magnificent creature popped his head up from the sage brush. For the next 10 minutes he walked back and forth in front of me as I took pictures and spoke softly to him. This was most certainly a tender mercy from a loving Heavenly Father. There was a spiritual exchange and then with the sound of a vehicle from bellow he snorted and bounded off only to stop and turn back to look at me one last time. That feeling sustained me through the remainder of that day. God gives good gifts...

A Scout Is...

Each Scout takes upon themselves an oath and promise, as an obligation to become a better citizen, friend, and future husband, and father.

On my honor I will do my best, to do my duty to God, and my country. To help other people at all times, to obey the Scout Law...

So, just what is the Scout Law? It is a statement that describes the ideals in which a scout subscribes to. Becoming a scout is as much a process as the process of collecting merit badges and qualifying for a new rank. And this is my version of what a scout is:

A scout is trustworthy. A scout is worthy of trust. They are honest even when it hurts. When they are assigned to a task you are safe to assume that if they accept the assignment the assignment will be done. A scout takes pride in their ability to come through. Their word is their bond. You need no contract for them. A simple handshake will do. They would never even consider breaking their agreement once they enter in.

A scout is loyal. A scout is loyal to their family, their friends, their God, their country, their fellow scouts, and to their leaders. A scout is loyal to the ideals of their oath and law. Loyalty implies a commitment to help others become the best they can be by standing by them without compromising their own principles. Loyalty means a scout would never ask another to compromise their own principles and they will stand with those who stand for their same ideals.

A scout is helpful. A scout can not sit still when things need to be done. In fact they are the first to ask, what can I do? They are eager to use the life skills they have been learning and realize that being helpful is not only a sign of respect and gratitude, but it is also a great way to hone their skills. They have a work ethic that in and of itself will take them places and lay a foundation for their future.

A scout is friendly. A scout shows their ability to make and keep friends. They do not look for the differences in others, but similarities. They treat all with common respect whether they be the head of a nation or the lowliest of citizens.  They do not judge others by the color of their skin, nor their gender, or anything else, but by their character. They see everyone as an opportunity to be a friend.

A scout is courteous. A scout knows good manners and uses them in every situation. They are aware of their surroundings and aware of others. They live the old school rules of treating all with respect. They are chivalrous. They are just plain pleasant to be around.

A scout is kind. A scout is sympathetic. They mourn with those that mourn, and rejoice with those that rejoice. They make others feel welcomed and wanted. Not only are they kind to those who look like they need it. They are kind to those who don't need it. They don't wait for others to need an act of kindness, they just do it out of habit. They are kind to all living creatures.

A scout is obedient. A scout realizes that the first law of heaven is obedience. That they can not be a law unto themselves. That order is imperative to reach greatness.  They also recognize they need to be as good a follower as they are a leader. They understand that obedience leads to greater opportunities. While disobedience hurts not just themselves but those around them. They are obedient to their leaders, their parents, and anyone who is called to preside over them at any given time. So, long as they are not asked to compromise their values and standards.

A scout is cheerful. A scout is quick to smile and full of faith. A scout always displays his positive, can do attitude. A scout is quick to bring good news. They are jovial and full of good clean spirit. A scout is fun.

A scout is thrifty. A scout is a good steward with his resources. They use their time as wisely as they use their money. They understand the limits of their resources and work creatively within them. They manage their funds with skill to avoid debt at all cost. They are just as aware of their immediate needs as they are their long term needs and wants. They know the difference between needs and wants. They educate themselves well enough to know that the best is not always the most expensive.

A scout is brave. A scout is not free of fear, but because he is prepared he need not fear. The skills they have acquired in the process of becoming a scout have made them prepared to deal with just about any situation they might encounter. Fear is merely a discomfort rather than a paralyzing dose of not knowing what to do.

A scout is clean. A scout is clean in mind and body. They maintain high standards of hygiene, and they keep themselves clean inside and out. They never allow their mind to filled with thoughts that would leave them feeling impure. They do not participate in off color jokes, and they shun pornography. They take pride in their general appearance as well as the appearance of anything they do. Whether it be in their work or in play. Cleanliness is next to godliness. They realize that cleanliness in not just a matter of pleasure, but a matter of safety as well. They know how to clean clothes, dishes, bathrooms, bedrooms, cars, etc... and they do it... most of the time. ;)

A scout is reverent. A scout is fully aware of God's creations and his hand in their lives and holds a deep sense of gratitude for all of God's creations and his presence in their lives. They have a reverence for life. When they are in the outdoors they know how to balance having fun with respecting those around them as well as nature. They recognize that reverence is applied differently in different places and they act accordingly. They recognize that reverence is an outward attitude radiating from an inward feeling of gratitude.


...to keep myself physically fit, mentally awake, and morally strait.
By keeping the scout law the scout will automatically fulfill his oath. Each point building upon the other. By living the law they will be prepared to live a morally outstanding life making choices, not out of fear, but out of a conscientious decision to do what is right and good.

And though it is not officially a part of the scout law, we must never forget, A scout is hungry... Not only are they hungry for food, they are hungry for knowledge, and adventure as well. A scout is always on a quest for truth.... and more food. ;)

This is what I expect any scout that is seeking the rank of Eagle to become. Are they going to be perfect? No, but they will be well on down the path in that direction...Well, they will be if they have to go through a conference or review in which I am involved. I did not get my Eagle and I feel it my obligation, as a leader, to protect the prestige and honor of that award.

Called To Serve Him, Heavenly King Of Glory...

Well, here we are on the eve of our daughter's mission and the emotions are running deep...Not so much on the surface, but we certainly are anxiously engaged in the final preparations.

Lauree requested to watch Nicholas Nickleby as she was finishing her packing. Nicholas Nickleby is her favorite movie...at least according to the number of times she has watched it. Somewhere between visits from friends and neighbors we were able to get through the movie and Lauree is mostly packed. I was able to give her a father's blessing.

It is times like this that I am reminded just what an honor it is to hold the priesthood. I am not sure how a father can possibly serve his family adequately without the priesthood. To know that God has entrusted me with the same power that he used and uses to serve his children is quite humbling. I find great comfort knowing that she will have access to this same priesthood through the elders with whom she will be serving.

So, now as I get ready to send her off, I have to put my trust in The Lord as my parents put their trust in The Lord when they sent me on my mission. It is not easy, but I am excited, because I know what is in store for her. She is about to experience the greatest transformation one can make as she shares the blessings of the gospel with her brothers and sisters in Ecuador. Her faith is about to grow from the mustard seed into the mighty mustard tree. The experiences she will have will bring her the greatest joy she can possibly experience until she holds her own child in her arms...It makes my heart sing just thinking of the love she is going to experience.
http://calledtoserveecuadorquito.blogspot.com/

If Ye Love Me...

While at Yellowstone we were walking around the boardwalk at Prismatic pool, there we saw someone had taken an object and written their name in the algae mats. They also wrote these words, "I love Yellowstone." I thought, how ironic. Then the thought came to me, "If ye love me keep my commandments." (John 14:15)

I wonder, how many of us know what that means? We say we love our Heavenly Father, but then we are quick to excuse our sins. Or we may just cherry-pick those commandments that we think are more important than others.


As a Latter-day Saint, it is like sustaining our leaders and then not SUSTAINING them when they ask us to help.

God has given us these commandments as a gift to help us be happy while living with our fellow man. To dismiss them is like giving your child a present only to have them set it aside without even opening it.

The only way we truly can know the power and wisdom of God is to test his wisdom through obedience. 

On The Issue of Gay Scouts

On issues of morality, do we condemn the man who has his weakness but abstains from his desires in order to fulfill his duty to God? Pride would condemn a man for his weakness before he even acted upon his thoughts. I would dare not judge a man for his thoughts, as I have my own thoughts and weaknesses that would condemn me if I were to be judged today.

Can one be morally straight and gay at the same time? And can one be heterosexual, and not morally straight? Absolutely.

The phrase morally straight, in our current societal terms, has come to imply a sexual preference. However, I believe that it has little to do with sexual attraction, but goes much deeper than that. I believe it has a lot more to do with being trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent. All characteristics of a morally sound individual.

The BSA has struck a balance in which they separate the sin from the sinner. It is about teaching the boys how to be morally straight at a time of life when so many others are being taught that morality is relative. They have recognized that their job is to teach young men to fulfill their duty to God despite what the world says they should think, feel, or do. 

Tolerance does not mean that we accept the sin only the sinner. As we might hope that God would accept us not in our sins, but despite our own sinful nature.

Zion's National Park.

Over Spring break we decided to visit one of the many National Parks in our state. So, we chose Zions National Park. I have not been there in many years. In fact I do not remember ever going their before. Wow!!


What an incredible place to visit. When it comes to mountains I think more in terms of pine trees lakes meadows and such, but the sculptures that God created in
Zion's has to be some of the most impressive works of art I have ever seen. There is so much to see in this area that it is impossible to take it all in in one day.  The red and white sandstone stained with black streaks formed by mineral and hard water deposits created a truly impressive spectacle of nature at is best. We could only imagine the hanging gardens that had not fully recovered from the long hard winter, but what we did see was incredible. These magical gardens are formed where ever water seeps through the porous sandstone seeking is way to the Virgin River that created these canyons.

The steep walls of the canyons make for spectacular views in the morning. In fact I am not sure there is a bad time to be in the park from sun up to sundown the shadows of the surrounding monoliths, plateaus  and mesas, are forever changing and creating new scenic adventures where ever you may be in the canyons.



The weeping rock is a short but steep hike to an area where the moisture seems to come from nowhere. You can walk behind the curtain of rain under an over hang of rock and escape the heat of the afternoon sun. I can only imagine the sounds of thunder in as it would echoed off the walls of the canyon.

From the Emerald pools, to the Three Patriarch, to the Angels Landing and The Alter, each feature carries with it it's own majesty with royal colors and all.

Hiking to the mouth of the canyon where the narrows begin we noticed several people wearing wet suits and some foot wear that seemed kind of odd, but later found out that it was canyoneering equipment, which they rented from from a place in town. The narrows is a popular place to hike because of the haunting beauty of the reflected light in the very narrow canyons that have been carved away by the river. The narrows are also very dangerous when storms are anywhere close due to the narrow walls the steepness of the mountains surrounding the this canyon is prone to flash flooding. We did not make it to the narrows on this trip, but we will be back to explore the things we did not this time around.

The second day we headed to the east side of the park. The east side features a whole different look. Water still plays a part in the erosion of this side, but it is obvious that wind is also a factor in the shaping of this region of the park. Years ago there was a monumental effort to join the east with the west by creating the longest man made tunnel through the rock. The tunnel is nearly a mile long and very impressive. On the eastern side of the Park there was less water, but the interesting rock formations didn't lose anything. It was much more desert like, and while water has had its influence on the geography it is also evident that the wind had a great part in shaping the intriguing surroundings. And while the west has the Virgin River, the west has pools that form in the slot canyons. The ecosystems are much different.

Life in the park is quite diverse as well. Along the trails we spotted deer and squirrels a plenty on the west and Mountain sheep on the east. One squirrel in particular caught our attention as it was playing with a young girl just a head of us. She would clap her hands and the squirrel would mimic her and clap right back. It was obvious that the signs that said do not feed the animals was often ignored, and fines did not seem to be much of a deterrence to most visitors.

Sunday we ended up at Kolob Canyon which is yet another section of the park, which is closer to Cedar City. Kolob, according to the prophet Joseph Smith, is the closest planet to the throne of God. A more fitting description could not have been made of this canyon. I wish we had had more time to explore this area of the park, but then again we will have many more chances I am sure of that.


 Zion's National Park is definitely a jewel that is a must see if you get the chance or are in the area of Southern Utah. We will be going back again in the near future. It is always fun to see what a place like this looks like at varying times during the year. There really is so much to see and explore in this area it is no wonder this area would be considered sacred grounds. It is a magical playground of the gods.

Become Your Child's Hero To Save A Nation

Sometimes the latest information is not the greatest information. History has been rewritten many times with less than flattering results to those who actually participated in that history. It is easy to second guess individuals who can not defend themselves, and many unscrupulous historians have taken advantage of many a dead man.

I have never figured out why a name has to be tarnished in the name of progress. If we truly want to progress past our weaknesses as individuals or as a nation wouldn't it be better to focus on the positive traits of someone rather than their negative traits? Or is it better to exploit the weaknesses or frailties of men we can not question, or who can not defend themselves and their own honor?

I believe, throughout history, God has used good men with weaknesses to accomplish great things and to help his people progress. The difference between a good man and a bad man is simply the traits that define them. Progress comes by acknowledging our weaknesses as individuals and as a society, but not letting those weaknesses determine who we are, and allowing our strengths, our own human potential to become like our Heavenly Father, to define us.

To find examples of these traits we often look back to history to find people who inspire us. We look to men lesser than God, but greater than ourselves to give us something to aspire to become like. This is what heroes do for us. They give us a shoulder to stand on. If we destroy our heroes and make our heroes men with nothing but weaknesses then we destroy our own hope to progress to a higher ground. And we will do as we have done, we will become what we have been told our heroes were.

How can we lose a whole generation? By uneducating them, that is how. We teach them that them the great men of history, their heroes, were bad men, full of weaknesses. We focus on their weaknesses and magnify them. We confuse them, disorient them, and take away their identity. We don't let them believe that all men came from greatness. We stop teaching them of their nobility. In other words strip them of their dignity. We destroy their view of the family, because if the family is strong then it breeds a strong sense of self worth and a sense of their divine potential. That is how you lose a generation and you destroy a nation.

How do you get it back? You have to focus on becoming the person you are meant to be and let your light shine through the darkness. You have to become the hero to your children so that they can see past the lies and deceit. Be the shoulders your children can stand on to reach for higher ground.

Sister Milligan Has Been Called To Serve...

I am a little slow in posting this mostly because initially I think I was somewhat in shock and I was fighting a bit of a strep throat. But, Lauree has gotten her mission call. She will be serving the Lord in the great country of Ecuador. She has been called to serve in the Quito Ecuador Mission of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It is funny how we have an idea where we think they may go, but it is a rare thing for someone to get their mission call to a place they think they are going to be called to. It was no exception for us this time. The place she was called was not even on our radar. I thought Europe, or possibly Eastern United States somewhere, but South America never even crossed my mind. It is exciting and it is interesting how quickly the Lord confirms the rightness of the call.
As a parent that confirmation is important, because if we are sending our child out we really don't want to worry about where they are serving. I know many who have been sent to missions where it is questionable how missionaries will be treated, without that confirmation it would be very difficult to send our children out to share the gospel.
As it is we have no doubt that Lauree will serve the Lord honorably and will be granted the blessings from her service, and the people of Ecuador will be blessed by her presence. 

My Daughter Is Going On A Mission

There are many who misunderstand the purpose of missionary work and why the LDS missionaries are sent throughout the world. Missionaries are not sent to convert people to the Mormon religion. Missionaries are sent to share a message of Jesus Christ, no strings attached. In the process if one discovers their message to be true through a very personal process of study and prayer then they are invited to be baptized and help spread the word that Jesus Christ lives.
I am pleased that my daughter has chosen to join this group of individuals who are willing to sacrifice their time, money, and opportunities to put others first. If a Sis Milligan knocks on your door in the next couple of years it just might be my daughter. She will be on the Lords errand. Please treat her well. Thank you!

As for now we await the familiar white envelope from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints addressed from church headquarters that will inform us where she will be called to serve.

The Purpose Of Life Is To Learn

The purpose of life is to learn to think, do, and feel as God does. As children of God it is our natural order to become like our Father.

Life is a test. Life is a test where the teacher has stepped out of the room. The test is not so much to see if we know the answers, but to test our ability to learn the answers when we make mistakes. The only way to truly fail is to not learn.

For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. (John 3:17)
We will never reach perfection in this life, but every step forward is a step closer to becoming who we are meant to be.

The older I get the more I see my dad in me. When I was younger I could not imagine getting as old as I am today. As a child of God it is hard for me to see ever becoming like him, but looking back I can see every experience I have, for good for for bad, I seem to feel more of what my Heavenly Father must feel. I am far from his level of perfection, but every once in awhile I can get a glimpse of what I can be.

As a parent and a child of God there are times when I do feel like the older child trying to help my younger siblings along. I believe that is what life is all about, and I do believe that was the plan. 

Back In The Saddle- Returning to A Previous Adventure

This past week I started my 2nd Biggest Loser contest. This time it is with my family. The stakes aren't so much monetary this time as we don't have money in on it, but a lot of pride is at stake. We are the friendly competitive type so we don't get offended when beaten, but we don't like to lose...Except when we want to lose, and then we want to be the Biggest Loser.

This week I reviewed the mental clicks that I had gained last time I started my journey. I have decided to see if my first experiment was just a fluke or if I can repeat the results. Obviously not everything will  be the same as I am starting off in better health despite the past year of being injury prone. I realize also that I can not rest on the idea that I will lose as much as I did last time, at least as quickly as I did last time.

No mirror needed to tell me
when I was happiest

We often equate losing weight with being happy and looking in the mirror as a measure of health. So, we look at the scale and pray for good numbers to appear, or we look into a mirror to determine whether or not we are healthy and happy. What would happen if we did not have a scale to determine our happiness. In fact what if we did not have a mirror to determine our health? What if the only thing we had to determine our happiness was our feelings and self awareness? What would we do to improve how we felt about ourselves?

To be perfectly honest with you, I like food. I like food that is probably not the most healthy food. If I could get away with eating lots of thick juicy steaks and just about anything heavy on the carbohydrates followed up with a nice big bowl of ice cream at any given time, and the only consequences were my weight. I would probably ignore my mirror and get rid of my scale. Unfortunately it doesn't work that way.

To me being fit has little to do with what I look like and a lot to do with my ability to move and how I feel. If I have a hard time walking up stairs or hiking in the summer, then I don't feel fit. If I am huffing and puffing when I want to run, then I am not happy. If I can't touch my toes without wincing or getting dizzy, I would say I am neither healthy nor happy.

Don't get me wrong, it is nice to feel good about what you see in the mirror, but it is more important that you feel good about what you have done to get where you are than it is to see a pretty picture in the mirror. You can be unfit and look thin and pretty, but you will not feel thin and you won't be happy.

Week 1 results

So, in my quest for fitness I will use a scale and a mirror as a measure of progress, but I will not use them as a measure of my fitness nor my happiness.